Interior approves NAWCA grant funding

On Sept. 7, U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke announced the approved funding levels for the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA). The Migratory Bird Conservation Commission — chaired by the Secretary — approved $21.9 million in grants for the conservation, enhancement, or restoration of bird populations and more than 92,000 acres of habitat in 16 states. Congress appropriates funds for NAWCA annually with current efforts underway to ensure the Act is reauthorized.

The Commission also approved more than $5.4 million to conserve 2,259 acres across six national wildlife refuges — made possible primarily through the sale of Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamps (Duck Stamps). With the approved funds, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will be enabled to open up thousands of acres for the first time to public waterfowl hunting.

NAWCA and Duck Stamp grants are matched by partner funds to support small and large scale projects throughout North America. These approved amounts are still dependent upon the passage of the fiscal year 2018 budget which is currently undergoing negotiations.